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Affordable Volunteering with Love Support Unite

We run unique and diverse programs. At LSU we see that you are unique and we work with you your skills and passion.

We believe education is the key to sustainable change, that volunteers can leave a lasting positive legacy with the individuals and communities they work with for generations to come. We incorporate time for volunteers to explore and venture around the warm heart of Africa developing life long skills, experience and friends.

Come and volunteer with LSU on a program tailored to you with access to funding, be part of our hub for change. Directly supporting our non-profit charity.

Placements in : Teaching, Sports, English, Medicine, HIV/AID's Awareness, Science, R.E, Dance, Textiles, Carpentry, Art, Music and Media. Help build a school and homes for the elderly.

Be free to work on your own ideas for sustainable change, permaculture and business through Micro-Loans program.

Questions & Answers

Program Reviews

The best experience of my life

In Summer 2012 I met Alice and Nina at Strummer of Love festival, and they told me about all the work they had been doing in Malawi. I fell in love with these two from the moment I met them; their passion for positive change combined with boundless energy and a hell of a lot of smiles meant that I couldn't wait to get out there and see what I could do to help.

Having already met the two girls, I knew the experience would be incredible, but I had no idea just how much impact it would have in my life.

I spent almost 3 months spending time with the girls at Tilinanu Orphanage and the community around, and I've never met so many beautiful souls in all my life, and doubt I will again.

I was, of course, very nervous on my arrival in Malawi, having only met Alice and Nina a few weeks previously. However, the welcome that I received in Mabuya camp was wonderful; within the first week, I already felt part of the family and had met friends for life.

The affordability and honesty of this program never ceased to amaze me; I raised as much money as I could before I left and I was able to spend it in whichever way I wanted; there were no hidden admin costs and I knew exactly where my money was going.

This programme and these people changed my life, and I will always be grateful for that. I cannot wait to return to Malawi to see how the programme has progressed and to do more and more and more for them.

This programme makes volunteering a fun, happy and rewarding process, and I do and will continue to suggest it to everyone I know.

Life changing charity!

My time at Tilinanu orphanage with LSU was without doubt the most eye opening, interesting, amazing 6 weeks of my life!

I spent time working within the orphange itself getting to know the beautiful girls and learning about all their individual lives and ambitions and helping to teaching them the skills they needed to achieve their goals. The way in which the LSU team has identified each girl as an individual with particular needs and not just as a collective group of orphans is something I could not find in any other charity!

The team worked as hard as possible to ensure that the goals and experiences I wanted to achieve in Malawi were made possible, giving me huge influence over the project I wanted to create, having the ability to create Change with your time and money was a special experience, and even in the short time I was there I saw how the things I was doing had made a difference to the girls at Tilinanu .

Malawi is a beautiful country, full of beautiful friendly people, I have never felt so welcome and safe! Staying at Mabuya camp enabled me to make some amazing friends and have some amazing experiences that I know I will be close to forever!!

I miss it everyday!

How can this program be improved?

I would of liked to have stayed longer

Apr 29, 2015

Yes, I recommend

Katherine

24

Female

London

10/10

Short But Very Sweet

I spent 2 weeks out in Malawi with LSU. In that time I achieved my goals and had the best time doing so!

I was great to get to know Lilongwe (where LSU is based) and we had a fab trip the lake at the weekend. It was such a good experience and I met some incredible people. I would LOVE to go back.

Alice and Nina are wonderful and make you feel at very home.... they will jam your trip full of a whole lot of fun.

Apr 23, 2015

Yes, I recommend

Ella

32

Female

London

10/10

Incredible charity that make sustainable positive change

LSU are more than just a charity; they are a family network to their volunteers and the communities that they are working with. The work that they carry out in Malawi is long term and sustainable and not just a quick fix to problems that could arise again without continued support, (which is often the case of other charities).

The knowledge the girls have of Malawi as well as the community projects they work on is second to none and they are great at matching volunteers skills in a huge variety of ways. This means that not only will the work you do out there really make a difference but you can also get fully involved in something that you are great at, feel passionate about or just want to learn more about.

I feel like a part of my heart will always be left in Malawi and the people out there, with memories that will be treasured forever. Its a beautiful country with lots of places to see and explore on your well earned days off.

Apr 22, 2015

Yes, I recommend

Gayle

42

Female

Essex

10/10

Life Changing Experience

My volunteering experience with LSU was life changing! I was able to use my skills as a massage therapist and baby massage teacher to teach and train local women and carers to use massage and touch to improve wellbeing and generate income. LSU were amazing at helping to establish the whole project and reach those who needed the training and support. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The accommodation was great and I made tons of friends from the trip. The whole trip was completely inspiring and I now have an ongoing project in Malawi with LSU. I have returned to continue my work. I feel so lucky and grateful to have found such a caring and pro active charity and volunteering program.

How can this program be improved?

I would love to go for longer but sadly I have commitments on my time.

Apr 22, 2015

Yes, I recommend

Gary

32

Male

Carlisle, England

9/10

EXHILARATING!!! EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!

This is by far the most exhilarating experience of my life, it has changed the way I look at life, for the better.

Working with Alice and Nina was incredible. I haven't worked with anybody so hard working, dedicated, enthusiastic and helpful in my life. If you have any problems they go that bit further to help you out in whatever way possible and I really appreciated that. I think it is fair to say I found it difficult to adjust to my surroundings to start with, Alice and Nina gave me a different project to work on and I think I came into my own after that.

I am 30 years old and I volunteered in Lilongwe last October 2013. I helped teach Art and worked on various building projects. I volunteered for one month and ended up staying there for six months in total, I loved it that much! I am considering moving back there in the future. If I had the opportunity to do it again tomorrow I would be on the first flight back.

Malawian people are so friendly and welcoming, I don't think I went one day without saying hello to at least five strangers. Its true what they say Malawi is the 'warm heart of Africa'. I would recommend trying to learn some Chichewa, they really appreciate you speaking some of there language, even if it is just Mulibwanji - Which means how are you.

On my volunteering I stayed in Mabuya camp back packers hostel for one month. They have a nice chilled out bar and a swimming pool to chill after a day under the hot sun. You meet lots of different people travelling from all round the world. Its interesting to talk with them to see what they are doing and vice versa.

I could keep writing about my experience all day but I will just finish with go and experience this amazing place for yourself!!! I would highly recommend it.

IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE AND I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!
Gary X

Apr 14, 2014

Yes, I recommend

Cat

24

Female

Edinburgh

10/10

life changing!

I literally had the most incredible time volunteering with LSU. The experience changed my life and opened my eyes up to just how far your money can go to create positive change in a country that desperatley needs it. It was so nice to know that every single penny I'd raised could go to the project I wanted it to go on, and the time the lsu girls spent with all of us helping to figure out where the donations would best be spent was definitley appreciated! this company is like no other, i have volunteered with other organisations and left feeling disheartened about the experience, but not with lsu. They really think about every bit of your journey, from what donations could be spent on to making sure you have a great time and see the best parts of the country. They have put in the time and effort to make sure that all their volunteers come away feeling great and wanting to go back and do it all again! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jan 31, 2014

Yes, I recommend

Luca

24

Female

Cambridge

10/10

An organisation doing it the right way

LSU have a long history with Malawi and a strong connection with it's people, which shows in the powerful and positive changes they have made through their outreach programmes. They are one of the few organisations that are really dedicated to what they are doing, and see it as a means to helping others rather than creating a big business for themselves. I really felt as though I was doing something important, and that they projects were very well organised and structured. They don't just put your money into any programme, it will be something that is sustainable and will really benefit the people who need it most in Malawi. The foundation asks the communities what will be really beneficial and they work side by side which I feel is something a lot of organisations do not do. They have friends all over the country, you will feel so safe and they will take you to the best spots at the Lake which is honestly a secret paradise - overall it is an unforgettable experience and I am already planning my next trip out there!

Jan 30, 2014

Yes, I recommend

Evie

24

Female

London

8/10

Eye opening

An Absolutely amazing eye opening experience. Everyday was different challenging but rewarding. From helping the girls in the orphanage to helping to build a class room and help out in a hospital, this trip was a once in a life time experience. To share then your experiences that day with the other people in your camp, the weekend trips away to the lake were all memories I'll never forget:)

How can this program be improved?

The heat :) em.,.. And the heads up about the water shortage ;)

Jan 30, 2014

Yes, I recommend

William

32

Male

Loughborough, England!

10/10

November 2012 visit

Hi, my name is william Bentley. And I thoroughly enjoyed my Malawi experience! I cannot wait to go back and bring friends with me! It was a real eye opening experience, but it wasn't just that. I've met friends I'll know forever and an experience that will last a lifetime! I cannot recommend this enough to anyone. The love this company has for what it is doing out there is incredible and truly awe inspiring. Obviously it is Africa, and not as policed as European countries. But honestly, I have felt more worried for my safety walking through the streets of London compared to Milawi. I almost felt famous! Like the people around me knew why I was there, to make a difference. And looking back on my experience, I feel I have done exactly that! I just hope that everyone can experience what I have, and can pass that onto others. Then maybe one day, our world will be a better place to be! William x

How can this program be improved?

I wish I stayed longer! My tan wasn't as good as I wanted, although that African sun goes down to the bone!

Jan 30, 2014

Yes, I recommend

Hollie

32

Female

Leicester

10/10

So good I went back!

I first travel to Malawi through LSU in 2010 for a 6 week period. Whilst there we worked toward expanding an all girls orphanage to house 34 girls in 2 separate dormatories. It was incredibly hard work but definitely worth it to see the happiness on the girls faces afterwards. The project was incredibly well organised and included well needed respite including breaks to the lake and evenings in the local bars and restaurants. I returned in 2012 to see the girls again and was thrilled to hear how well they are all doing in school.

I can't wait to go back!

How can this program be improved?

Wish I had stayed longer at camp Mabuya

Jan 30, 2014

Yes, I recommend

Micaela

24

Female

Leeds, England

10/10

EXPERIENCE NEVER FORGOTTEN

LSU provide something that not many charities do - honesty. They completely allow you do to whatever YOU want to do and help you along the way with guidance and knowledge. In no way do they try and take control of your project or take your money, the ethos is fully for the people to generate positive change throughout Malawi. It is one of the most amazing places you could volunteer in the world.

I went out in october 2013 for a month to do a Visual Communications placement in link with my university course. Whilst I was there I made a promotional video for LSU, as well as help build roofs of elderly homes in the villages and start the foundations for compost toilets within the orphanage which i will be completing in summer 2014.

The time I spent there, even though it was only for a month, has taught me so many new and fascinating things. It has made me more aware of the world we live in and impacted my life to create positive change. The way that LSU work are completely genuine, they are relaxed yet full of passion and motivate you to believe you CAN generate change. They teach you new skills that you will take with you throughout life - physical and phycological.

The days are hard but for filling and completely worth the time you spend out the site. When it comes to the night time, you can enjoy the swimming pool and the company of friends from all over the world in Mabuya Back Packers hostel.

The weekends are free and full of possibilities from going to see Nhikata Bay and relaxing by the beautiful lake, going to safaris to see the most amazing wildlife and having a crazy malawian night out.

Not only do they guide you through your projects, but they are also there to help you better yourself. I can't express enough how much LSU have changed my life, and make me believe in myself 100x more than I did before I left. Something that I recommend to everyone, its too good to miss out on it!

How can this program be improved?

A volunteer house to create a closer vibe within the volunteers - however, i hear that this is already underway!

Jan 30, 2014

Yes, I recommend

About Love Support Unite

We are a unique and affordable volunteer foundation that works with in unison with volunteers, creating individual programs tailored specifically to you, your skills and length of time you want to come for (7days +). Enabling you to have an...